EPA Launches Smart Sectors Program

A Program to Engage American Businesses to Achieve Better Environmental Outcomes

WASHINGTON (October 3, 2017) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the launch of Smart Sectors, a partnership program between the Agency and regulated sectors focused on achieving better environmental outcomes. A sector-based, collaborative approach provides a significant opportunity for EPA to consider more forward-thinking ways to protect the environment.

“When we consider American business as a partner, as opposed to an adversary, we can achieve better environmental outcomes,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “The Smart Sectors program is designed to effectively engage business partners throughout the regulatory process. The previous administration created a narrative that you can’t be pro-business and pro-environment. This program is one of the many ways we can address that false choice and work together to protect the environment. When industries and regulators better understand each other, the economy, public, and the environment all benefit.”

A sector-based approach can provide benefits, such as: increased long-term certainty and predictability, creative solutions based on sound data; and, more sensible policies to improve environmental protection. Program leads for each sector will serve as ombudsmen within the Agency across program and regional offices. Staff will also: conduct educational site tours, host roundtables with EPA leadership, analyze data and advise about options for environmental improvement; maintain open dialogue with business partners and their environmental committees; and, develop reports that profile the impact of each sector on the environment and the economy.

Smart Sectors aims to facilitate better communication and streamline operations internally at EPA. The program is located in the Office of Policy’s Immediate Office, which enables the sector leads to work across EPA’s land, water, air, and chemical program offices, as well as with environmental justice, enforcement and compliance assistance, and other offices, including EPA regional offices.

EPA’s Associate Administrator for the Office of Policy, Samantha Dravis; and EPA’s Chief of Operations, Henry Darwin, announced the launch at EPA Headquarters on Tuesday, October 3rd, and were joined by representatives from across the American economy, including: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Cement and Concrete, Chemical Manufacturing, Construction, Electronics and Technology, Forestry and Wood Products, Iron and Steel, Mining, Oil and Gas, Ports and Marine, and Utilities and Power Generation.

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KPPC is Kentucky’s primary resource to help business, industries and other organizations develop environmentally sustainable, cost-saving solutions for improved efficiency. KPPC is based at the University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering.